Here go, skipping off into a brand new year. But before we travel too far into 2023, I’m continuing my tradition of my first blog post each year being a retrospective of the books I dwelled within the year before.…
Why Writing Authentically Is so Hard
One aspect of a writer that I look for in a potential client is that she has a sense of who she is and what she should write. Not in a “I love my novel and WILL get it published” …
When a Tulip is Called a Rose–What IS Traditional Publishing?
Let’s call things what they really are, shall we? No euphemisms or mislabeling, okay? What exactly is–and isn’t–traditional publishing?
I’ve noted an uptick in new publishing entities entering the market lately that describe themselves as “traditional publishers.” But when you …
When a Tulip is Called a Rose–What IS Traditional Publishing?Read More
A Writer’s Remembrance for Memorial Day
While today we memorialize those who sacrificed their lives for our country and recall other loved ones who have passed away, I thought this would also be a good day to remember a touchstone writerly memory. I’m going to share …
What Happens after a Book Launches?
This week I received an email from one of my clients, Chase Replogle, whose first book, The 5 Masculine Instincts: A Guide to Becoming a Better Man, released on March 1. I’ve asked his permission to share our email thread …
Finding Inspiration
What causes an author to write about a subject from a different perspective? Where does that idea come from? Knowing what inspired an author in turn can help you in finding inspiration–and cause you to listen to your own internal …
A New Literary Agent!
I’m pleased to announce that Books & Such is starting off the new year with news. We’re adding a literary agent to our team!
Debbie Alsdorf has been Wendy’s client for a number of years. Debbie has written more than …
The First Christmas
I find pondering about the folk involved in the first Christmas can give me a fresh way to think about the tale we love so much. The shepherds on the hillside are, in my opinion, worth a closer look.
They …
End Your Book Well
Last week I read an articulate article on how to end a book well. I distill the essence of the article below, but if you want to read if for yourself, it’s located here.
To End Your Book Well:
…
How to Jumpstart Your Creativity
A few years ago on the PBS News Hour, I saw a report on jazz legend Herbie Hancock, who talked about an especially memorable time he performed with his mentor Miles Davis. Herbie hit a wrong note–flat out wrong. …